DSM finds new leader for Food Specialties division

Ilona Haaijer has been named president and chief executive officer of DSM Food Specialties.

HEERLEN, THE NETHERLANDS — Ilona Haaijer has been named president and chief executive officer of DSM Food Specialties, one of the five global divisions of Royal DSM n.v. Ms Haaijer will succeed Hans Christian Ambjerg, who is moving to the Nutritional Products division to lead innovation, effective Jan. 1, 2015.

Ms. Haaijer joined DSM in 2010, leading and successfully transforming the DSM Personal Care business unit. Her international career began in product development and marketing with Koninklijke PTT Nederland before becoming a management consultant for The Boston Consulting Group. She joined Royal Philips Electronics n.v. as a vice-president, helping to build its new consumer health and wellness business and leading the €675 million acquisition of Avent, culminating with her appointment as c.e.o. of Philips Avent.

She graduated in 1994 in business economics from the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen in The Netherlands, incorporating studies from the University of California at Los Angeles and Cornell University.

“I’m very much looking forward to starting at DSM Food Specialties,” Ms. Haaijer said. “There are great opportunities for our business globally, adding distinctive value to our customers and helping the food and beverage industry deliver on sustainable, healthy, affordable and great tasting products. I am pleased to be contributing to DSM Food Specialties as an increasingly powerful force in the industry moving forward.”